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Date: Sat, 19 Jun 1999 11:27:07 -0400 (EDT)
To: pubyac-digest@nysernet.org
Subject: pubyac V1 #727
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 16:08:02 -0500
From: "Michelle McInnis" <michelle@grok.calcasieu.lib.la.us>
Subject: BOOKS
Thought this was cute:
New Low Tech Solution
Introducing the new Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge device, trade-named BOOK.
BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no wires, no electric
circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It's so
easy to use, even a child can operate it.
Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere -- even sitting in an
armchair by the fire. Yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information
as a CD-ROM disc.
Here is how it works:
BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable),
each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are
locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder, which keeps the
sheets in their correct sequence. Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows
manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information
density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further
increases in information density; for now BOOKS with more information
simply use more pages. Each sheet is scanned optically, registering
information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to
the next sheet.
BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting; though like other devices, it can
become damaged if coffee is spilled on it. It can become unusable if
dropped too many times on a hard surface.
BOOK has a "browse" feature which allows you to move instantly to any
sheet
forward or backward as you wish. Many also come with an "index"
feature,
which pinpoints the exact location of any selected information for instant
retrieval.
An optional "bookmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact
place
you left it in a previous session -- even if BOOK has been closed.
BOOKmarks fit universal design standards: thus, a single BOOKmark can be
used in BOOKS by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous BOOKmarks can
be
used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once.
The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.
You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with optional
programming tools. Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication
Language Styli (PENCILS). Portable, durable and affordable, BOOK is being
hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment. BOOK's appeal seems so
certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform
and investors are reportedly flocking to invest. Look for a flood of new
titles soon.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 17:10:38 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jeri Kladder <jkladder@gcfn.org>
Subject: Re: Cliff Notes
We keep Cliff Notes in our Young Adult Room next to the Classics
paperbacks. "What's a classic?" you might ask. What appears to be on
high school and college prep reading lists. Hope this helps. - jeri
On Tue, 15 Jun 1999, Nanci Milone wrote:
> I was wondering how many of you keep Cliff Notes in your collections, and
> of those of you that do, where you keep them.
>
> Thank you,
> Nanci Milone
>
>
>
>
>
> Nanci Milone, Young Adult Librarian
> Peabody Institute Library, Peabody Massachusetts
> milone@noblenet.org
> North of Boston Library Exchange
>
Jeri Kladder, Children's Librarian & Storyteller
jkladder@freenet.columbus.oh.us
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus, Ohio
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 16:42:54 -0500
From: "Mary J. Soucie" <mjsoucie@starbase1.htls.lib.il.us>
Subject: Re: Water Games
Terri,
Hi! When I was a camp counselor (many moons ago), we played a game called
"Drip, Drip, Splash", a takeoff of "Duck, Duck, Goose". Take
a sponge and
dip it in a bucket of water. Have the "Dripper"(person A) go around
the
circle dripping the sponge on each kid's head. When s/he decides on a
person to chase, A squeezes the sponge out over that person's head (person
B). B then chases A around the circle to their spot. If A makes it back,
they're fine. If not, they have to sit in the "pot" (middle of the
circle)
until the next unlucky dripper gets caught.
This game was a blast. I played it a couple years ago with a group of kids
at the library I used to work at on our water day and they loved it. We
had to repeat the game several times.
Enjoy. Hope you understand the directions. E-mail me if you need
clarification.
mjs
Smith, Laura wrote:
>
> Several years ago, we did the following activities for a Water
> Olympics....
>
> Water Balloon toss
>
> Fill the cup race--fill a plastic spoon with water, run-walk a few feet,
> dump water in cup, run-walk back and repeat until cup is filled to a
> certain line
>
> Sponge relay--have teams line up front to back. In front of first
> person, have a bucket and a sponge. Person has to dunk the sponge in
> the water and pass it over their head to the person behind them. Repeat
> on down the line. A bucket is behind the last person who squeezes out
> the remaining water into the sponge and runs to the front of the line.
> They become the next person to fill the sponge and pass. The team with
> the most water in the bucket after everyone goes through the rotation is
> the winner.
>
> I'm sure we did others, but it's been years!
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Laura Smith
>
> -----Original Message-----
> We are doing a "Wet & Wild" water program and have booths on
bubbles,
> water balloons, and will start the program with sidewalk chalk art. We
> will have all ages up to 12 years. Does anyone have previous experience
> with a similar program and ideas that have worked well for you in the
> past? You may respond either to the list or to me personally. Thank
> You in advance for all of your help.
>
> Terri Clark
> terric@kcinter.net
- --
Mary J. Soucie
Youth Services Consultant
Heritage Trail Library System
815-729-3345 x110
mailto:mjsoucie@htls.lib.il.us
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 14:51:46 -0700
From: Laura Whaley <WHALEYL@santacruzpl.org>
Subject: RE: Cliff Notes
We keep them in the YA section. The majority are for the various Shakespeare
plays but we have some more "modern" titles as well.
Laura
Boulder Creek Branch Library
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 13:19:41 -0500
From: Marilyn Zaruba <fmpl@startext.net>
Subject: Bronwyn stumper
We have a patron looking for a series with a girl as the main character. The
girls name was Bronwyn & they were probably around in the 60s or 70s. Sorry
not
to have more specific info, but we were overrun with children for the summer
reading club programming & it was too chaotic.
If this rings a bell, please let me know.
TIA
Marilyn
Mansfield Public Library
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 17:09:15 -0500
From: "LINDA GIBSON, YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR" <GIBSONL@memphis.lib.tn.us>
Subject: InfoBUS at ALA
While you are perusing the exhibits at ALA, check out the newest service
of Memphis/Shelby Co.(TN) Public Library--a 40 foot long InfoBUS! It will
provide Internet terminals in addition to collections such as career
counseling, homework help, citizenship information for our growing multi-
cultural population, and fiction and nonfiction for all ages. While
there, you can even set up a job interview! We will be interviewing at
our booth during the conference for both entry and senior level Youth
Services Librarians. We would love to talk with you about the exciting
things going on at our library and how you could be a part of the action!
Linda Gibson, Youth Services Coordinator
Memphis/Shelby Co. Public Library & Information Center
1850 Peabody
Memphis, TN 38104 (901)725-8875 gibsonl@memphis.lib.tn.us
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 16:28:57 -0400
From: Rita Hunt <rhunt@redrose.net>
Subject: More on Wringer
Now that I've finally caught up my PUBYAC digests, I know it is time to
throw in my 2 cents. Yes, there really is a pigeon shoot in Hegins, PA
every year. And yes, every year the Harrisburg paper is full of op-ed
pieces and letters to the editor. This site has some information:
http://www/blusalley.com/_cta/heginsup.htm
As for the book, I found all of Parker's friends completely repulsive
and slightly unbelievable--I'm the new stepmom of a 13 yr old boy, so
I'm not too easily shaken. However, I did enjoy the thrill of Parker's
secret and and have recommended the book to young readers.
- --
Rita Hunt
Hershey Public Library
rhunt@redrose.net
**********************************************************************
And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon,
The moon,
The moon,
They danced by the light of the moon.
- --Edward Lear "The Owl and the Pussycat"
**********************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 17:08:54 -0400
From: "Deborah Brightwell" <dbright@ci.coppell.tx.us>
Subject: Fwd: Middle School Girl's Reading List
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 15:54:40 GMT
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From: "Jeanette Larson" <jlarson@tenet.edu>
To: List TX-YAC list <tx-yac@isadore.tsl.state.tx.us>
Subject: Middle School Girl's Reading List
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The Center for Women's Studies at University of Texas at Austin has
prepared an extensive bibliography of books for middle school girls.
It's on the web at http://www.utexas.edu/depts/wstudies/msrl.html.
Visit this site to find some good books by and about women. According
to the publication, "the criteria in selecting materials for the project
centered around identifying those materials that countered stereotypic
views of
women and girls. Thus the materials included:
*present girls and women as central to literature, history and culture;
*describe girls and women as intellectually capable and contributing to
knowledge in all fields;
*present girls and women as visible and active, and as players in public
and personal arenas; and
*assist girls in developing confident visions for their many life
roles."
We are working with this group on a method to send print version to all
public libraries later this summer, but in the meantime you might want
to use the website. Barbara Immroth and Bill Lukenbill encouraged their
children's literature classes to participate in this project so
librarians and future librarians helped in its development. Feel free
to pass this on to other lists that might find it useful.
- --
Jeanette Larson
Director, Library Development Division
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
P.O. Box 12927
Austin, TX 78711
512-463-5456 (voice)
512-463-8800 (fax)
jeanette.larson@tsl.state.tx.us
jlarson@tenet.edu
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 20:15:07 EDT
From: ILefkowitz@aol.com
Subject: Re: Cliff Notes
We keep our cliff notes in a slightly separate area of the nonfiction
section. Our adult and ya nonfiction is interfiled. We have an index of all
the cliff notes that tech services updates sporadically. The kids all seem
to find them with no trouble.
Ilene N. Lefkowitz
Youth Services Librarian
Mount Olive Public Library
ILefkowitz@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 14:22:31 -0600
From: Tiffany Andersen <tanderse@inter.state.lib.ut.us>
Subject: activity suggestions
Howdy all!
I need suggestions for pirate or treasure activities for my summer
reading program.
I appreciate your time.
Tiff
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 10:45:17 -0400
From: DWELLEYR@charleston.lib.sc.us
Subject: using baskets for books
We are interested learning about the use of baskets in our library for
patrons to use while "shopping" for books. What type of baskets
has your library used? Has the overall idea been successful?
What are problems that you have encountered? Please reply directly
to me. Thank you.
Roberta Dwelley Assistant Manager Children's Services
Charleston County Public Library
dwelleyr@ccpl.org
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 06:18:47 -0500 (CDT)
From: Shari Hetzke <shetzke@nslsilus.org>
Subject: Re: Cliff Notes
We keep Cliffs Notes in the young adult area with one reference copy at
the Reference Desk. The multiple copies in ya all circulate and are VERY
popular!
Shari Hetzke tel 847-506-2629
Secondary School Services Specialist fax 847-506-2650
Arlington Heights Memorial Library shetzke@nslsilus.org
500 North Dunton
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 15:16:25 -0700
From: Jill Patterson <jpatterson@ci.glendora.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Cliff Notes
We keep them in the vertical file. If I had room, I'd rather have them on
the shelves in my YA collection.
Jill Patterson jpatterson@ci.glendora.ca.us
Glendora Public Library 140 S. Glendora Ave. Glendora, CA 91741
Tel: 626/852-4896 FAX: 626/852-4899
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 15:31:06 -0400
From: PUB_YAC@mln.lib.ma.us
Subject: Re: A Kiss is Just a Kiss?
I'd be able to answer the question posed if I had some more information.
Does the library display posters depicting heterosexual couples passionately
kissing? If it does then this was an act of administrative inconsistency,
if not censorship. The other question I have is whether or not the library
administration supported another poster celebrating Gay Pride Month.
Steve Weiner,
Director, Maynard Public Library, Maynard, MA
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 16:10:28 -0400 (EDT)
From: Pamela Stack <pstack@vlc.lib.mi.us>
Subject: scavenger hunt ideas?
I'm thinking of doing a scavenger hunt for our party at the end of summer
reading. My problem is how to do it with ages 3 - 12? Has anyone else
tried this. I would be interested in hearing from you whether good or
bad. Thanks for your help!
Pamela C. Stack
pstack@vlc.lib.mi.us
Children's Librarian
St. Charles District Library
St. Charles, Michigan
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 18:04:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: Kathy Walzer <kwalzer@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Cliff Notes
We have about 30 copies of Cliff Notes all on different classics at the
library where I am a Youth Services Librarian (Broward County
Library-Fort Lauderdale Branch). We keep them in the YA section and
they don't get a lot of use. They were there before I started working
there. My personal opinion is that they can be useful as a review of
the story and for understanding character development but of course
shouldn't be used as a replacement for reading the story.
Kathy Walzer
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 11:18:58 PDT
From: Elizabeth Buono <ebuono73@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Cliff Notes
Nanci--
Our library keeps Cliffs notes and Monarch notes in the adult collection,
near the fiction. They are cataloged, and they are treated like paperbacks,
at least according to what I have observed.
Elizabeth Buono
Children's Librarian
The Ferguson Library
Stamford, CT
_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 12:18:12 -0400
From: "Helen Mochetti" <helenmi@lori.state.ri.us>
Subject: Five finger rule
helenmi@lori.state.ri.us
Hi, all-
I know that quite some time back there was a discussion of a quick way a
child could scan a book to help decide if the book was about the child's
grade level. I have misplaced the folder of copies that I made. Could those
of you who use this "rule" or some form of it e-mail it to me? My
patron
would appreciate it greatly. (as, of course, would I)! Thank you.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 08:07:43 -0500
From: Marilyn Zaruba <fmpl@startext.net>
Subject: Re: A Kiss is Just a Kiss?
I really don't think a picture of a "passionate" kiss is appropriate
in a
public library & I don't care who it's a picture of, whether men, women or
men & women. I like to think that you wouldn't have received the same
response if they had just been holding hands or talking intimately. I don't
feel that it was censorship at all. I put up most of the displays in our
library & I would not have done that in the first place.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, at least here where
I live in the Bible belt.
These is purely my opinion.
Marilyn
Mansfield Public Library
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 13:41:15 -0500
From: Lynn Osika <jwrage@sdln.net>
Subject: cliff notes
We are a medium sized public libary, our cliff notes are kept in the
vertical file. They appear on the online catalog by ttitle only and circ the
way other vf items do for one week. Another same size public library I
worked in previously cataloged their cliff notes jsut as they did books.
Hope it helps. We only get high demand by high school students about 2
weeks a year.
Lynn Osika
Adults Services Librarian
Brookigns Public Library
Brookings SD
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 21:50:39 -0400
From: Catherine Chesher <cchesh@tc3net.com>
Subject: library clip art software
Help!
I have 2 days to find a library clip art software program. Can anyone recommend
one? I could find nothing in the catalogs I currently have on hand. It seems as
if there were postings about this in the past but I've never had much luck with
the archives. We already have Print Shop and Print Artist, but I would like
something more for libraries.
Thanks (again)
Please reply to: cchesher@monroe.lib.mi.us
and not to address above.
We (my family) are moving in the next couple of days and I'm afraid my PC at
home will be in a box and out of commission for a few days.
Cathy Chesher
Adrian Public Library
Adrian, Michigan
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 18:59:23 EDT
From: Pisces0243@aol.com
Subject: Re: A Kiss is Just a Kiss?
Ajoke,
> Library administration ordered the magazine to be immediately
> removed. Some staff members disagree with the decision. Is
> this censorship? Or was removing the magazine positively
> responding to the concerns of a patron?
It seems clearly and blatantly censorship, as you describe it.
Sounds like homophobia and racism are both still thriving.
Having said that, does the library have a policy regarding displays,
and the procedures to be followed -- including a policy for
responding to challenges?
If not, this should clearly be evidence that one is needed. Without a
clear policy, censors -- including timid in-house managers more
concerned with what they probably pass off as knowledge of uh ...
"political realities" than with principles of either intellectual
freedom
or social responsibility -- can do this kind of stuff and escape
accountability.
thom stuart
St. Cloud, MN
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 08:20:08 -0700
From: "REBECCA HIGGERSON" <RHIGGERSON@sacramento.lib.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Cliff Notes
I have a YA fiction section and keep about 30 Cliffs notes titles on a shelf
next to it. We did not assign Dewey numbers (although the "adult"
collection is cataloged that way) but instead used the first initial of the
title. 1.because they never stay in Dewey order, and 2. because it
differentiates location for our shelvers.
**************************************************
Rebecca Higgerson
Youth Services Librarian
Sacramento Public Library
828 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
rhiggerson@sacramento.lib.ca.us
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 14:36:14 -0400
From: "Karen Sonderman" <sonderka@oplin.lib.oh.us>
Subject: coloring styrofoam
Hello everyone. I hope all your Summer Reading Programs are off to =
great starts!
We are planning our annual Craft-a-thon and have a question for all you =
"crafty" individuals. Is there any other way to color styrofoam
(balls) =
besides painting ? We wondered about dying with food coloring...? If =
any of you have had experience with coloring styrofoam, please email me. =
TIA.
Karen Sonderman
Taylor Memorial Public Library
Cuyahoga Falls
Ohio
sonderka@oplin.lib.oh.us
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 14:55:40 -0400
From: karp@tln.lib.mi.us
Subject: An author to research
Hi everyone. I was wondering and hoping that someone out "there"
could pass along some of their knowledge. I am working with a
PTA President from my local school who is trying to arrange a
children's author to spend a week at the school doing workshops
with grades K-4. It is a large investment of time and money and,
obviously, we do not want to make a mistake. She has
corresponded with RICK WALTON, author of SO MANY BUNNIES
AND PIG PIGGER PIGGEST to name a few of his books. So, if
any elementary teachers or librarians have impressions or thoughts
about Rick as a presentor , please, please pass them along.
Thanks so much for your assistance and time. You can write me
back at karp@tln.lib.mi.us.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 16:09:51 -0700
From: Eastside Branch <sbeast@rain.org>
Subject: RE: Cliff Notes
We keep them as a small collection, uncataloged, on a spare shelf, in no
particular order, processed like a paperback. We tally if the item is
checked out by using a universal bar code number, but the item isn't
attached to an individual's record and it doesn't need to be checked back
in. We don't know if the item is ever returned but put very little
processing time into it. We put an ownership stamp inside and an
identifying tape on the front cover. All of our Cliff Notes are donated.
"Come, and take choice of all my library, and so beguile thy sorrow."
(Shakespeare)
Marge Fauver, Librarian
Eastside Branch
Santa Barbara Public Library
1102 E. Montecito Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
805-963-3727
email: sbeast@rain.org (work)
mfauver@hotmail.com (personal)
Fax 617-344-0433
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 15:15:23 -0500
From: MKARNOSH@mail1.bcl.lib.fl.us
Subject: Re: Cliff Notes
Our library is a combination college/public library. We do supply
Cliffs Notes; they are kept in the Periodicals Department and
handled in a fashion similar to the way Periodicals handles the
college reserves: students select from a list of the Notes that are
available and must leave identification with the desk clerk. Cliffs
Notes are considered reference items only, and cannot be checked out.
They may be copied by the user, subject to applicable copyright laws.
Hope this is helpful!
Melissa Karnosh
Head of Youth Services
Broward County South Regional/BCC Library
Broward County, FL
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 18:26:12 EDT
From: ILefkowitz@aol.com
Subject: Favorite Series
Hi all! Sorry for the duplication, but this is being posted to both PUBYAC
and YALSA-BK. A coworker and I are doing a presentation on series fiction
for children and teens this October. Right now we are doing our research
(reading lots of series books) and we could use a little assistance. We are
taking a quick survey of other youth services librarians. Please take a
minute to answer the questions below. You can reply directly to me at
ILefkowitz@aol.com. I promise to compile a list and post it when we are
finished. Thanks in advance for the help!
1) What is your favorite picture book series
2) What is your favorite easy reader series
3) What is your favorite series for grades 1 - 3
4) For grades 4 - 6
5) For young adults
6) What is the definition of a series? Is it different than just a trilogy
or a quartet? Does it need to be serial or can it be episodic?
Ilene Lefkowitz, MLS
Youth Services Librarian
Mount Olive Public Library
ILefkowitz@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 09:26:27 -0500
From: Karen Sutherland <ksutherland@bplib.org>
Subject: summer reading
Hi!
I have been a children's librarian for most of my adult life, but I
recently started as Head of Youth Services at this library. They have
the custom of giving prizes somewhat similar
to some kind of a lotto. (We have always done it this way!) Kids guess
on how many objects are in jars, and if they guess right they win the
contents of the jar; they get jar guesses for books read, for guessing
things in contests, and they also win prizes for reaching their reading
goals. We are giving away hundreds of little knick-knacky things.
There are also prizes for other things. I wondered what other people do
about prizes and what prizes are given. I can't believe everyone else
has it as nutty as we do. I would be interested in hearing under what
circumstances you give prizes and what they have to do to win those
prizes. I feel a little like I am running a lottery or bingo rather
than a summer reading program HELP please!
Thanks
Sincerely,
Karen Sutherland
Head of Youth Services
Bedford Park Public Library
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 09:18:26 -0400
From: jstraight@hampton.lib.nh.us
Subject: Re: Cliff Notes
Nanci,
We have a very small, donated collection of Cliff Notes. They aren't
even catalogued. They are all shelved together at the beginning of
our classics section.
Joanne Straight
Joanne Straight, Young Adult Librarian
Lane Memorial Library, Hampton, NH
603-926-3368
jstraight@hampton.lib.nh.us
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 19:11:18 -0400
From: Charles Schacht <schachtc@libcoop.net>
Subject: Re: A Kiss is Just a Kiss?
Miller wrote:
> Dear pubyacers,
> Please take a few momments to give your thoughts on a possible censorship
> issue. As many of you know, June is Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, which
> is acknowledged throughout California.
Ruminations : Two questions - acknowledged by WHO throughout which parts of
Calilfornia? - strike me as being quite germaine here. The complaining patron
clearly did not acknowledge said designation, and one must assume that he
does not take umbrage by himself. SO - by supporting one segment of your
community with such a display you're alienating another segment. Seems as
though if you're going to start promoting one orientation then you'd better
be prepared to promote them all; what are you going to say when the
masochists want their turn ? I believe I would not care to stir up this
particular pot if I could avoid doing so. That said, I don't like giving the
impression that if something in our collection or in a display offends
someone we'll be happy to remove it; be careful about what you put up but
then be willing to support it. That's my 2 cents worth.
Chuck Schacht
Romeo District Library
Romeo, MI.
> A library assistant put up a
> display that contained a magazine cover of an African American and
> Caucasion male engaged in a passionate kiss. A male patron who came into
> the library with his son complained to library administration. ..
> Ajoke (ah-joh-kay), Children's Librarian
> Oakland Public Library
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 16:22:07 -0700 (PDT)
From: darcy stainton <darcysta@vpl.vancouver.bc.ca>
Subject: Re: My Heart is on the Ground
I would suggest that there are great differences in _types_ of historical
fiction that render comparisons between _Catherine Called Birdie_ and _My
Heart is on the Ground_ invalid. Historical fiction can be divided into
three categories:
1. An historical setting is appropriated, and fictitious events and
characters are inserted (e.g. _Catherine Called Birdie_).
2. An historical event is appropriated, and fictitious characters are
inserted (e.g. Kit Pearson's _The Sky is Falling_).
3. Event, setting _and_ characters are appropriated (e.g. _My Heart is on
the Ground_).
A good writer of historical fiction recognizes at which level they
are writing, and researches accordingly. Picking the first level allows a
writer the freedom to create non-traditional characters in atypical
historical situations while maintaining a relatively accurate setting. The
second level is more difficult -- to pull this one off, a writer must
conduct meticulous research into versions of historical events, and is
then free to explore their characters' responses to these events.
The third level is fraught with trouble. Some postmodern authors
intentionally play with the concept of historical accuracy to make a point
(i.e. all history is subjective). See, for example, George Bowering's
_Burning Waters_. Other authors go to great lengths to present as complete
a picture of the historical character, and events, and setting as
possible. I see no indication that Rinaldi is attempting a postmodern
historical reconstruction, therefore I must conclude that she either did
not see the need to attempt to be accurate, or she simply did a poor job
of it.
My point is that Rinaldi's work appears to be flawed because she
and her editors were not diligent about their research. This would be more
forgivable in a work of literature if this were "first level"
historical
fiction, but it is quite clear that this work was intended to be presented
at the "third level." As such, it falls far short in accuracy and
quality
of research appropriate for a work that borrows not only historical
setting and events, but characters as well.
D'Arcy Stainton
darcysta@vpl.vancouver.bc.ca
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End of pubyac V1 #727
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